By Bongiwe Dlamini

MANZINI:The Municipal Council of Manzini is proudly hosting a historic leg of the International City/County Management Association(ICMA) Global Exchange Programme from 3–7 September 2025 and this milestone event positions eSwatini on the global stage of local governance and professional city management.

ICMA, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a worldwide network of more than 12,000 city and county managers, local government administrators, and professionals dedicated to advancing good governance. 

Through professional development, training, research, and technical assistance, the Association works to strengthen the quality of local government management across the globe.

The Municipality’s role in ICMA is particularly significant, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Municipal Council of Manzini Lungile Dlamini currently serves on the ICMA 30-member Board as the International Regional Vice President representing the Southern Hemisphere. 

This leadership position underscores eSwatini’s growing influence in shaping international urban development dialogues.

Held every two years, the ICMA Global Exchange Programme is a practitioner-led initiative that promotes peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, networking, and technical cooperation among local governments. 

The program equips participating cities and associations with global exposure, innovative management practices, and practical solutions to emerging urban challenges.

Following a successful bid in 2024, the Municipal Council of Manzini secured the opportunity to co-host the 2025 Global Exchange alongside the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). 

The delegation will be hosted jointly by eSwatini and South Africa from 3–12 September 2025, with eSwatini leading the first leg in Manzini before the program concludes in South Africa.

On Thursday, ICMA delegates participated in the Sustainable Urban development(SDGs) Seminar which was graced by the presence of the Minister of Housing and Urban development, leaders of various eSwatini municipalities as well as their organizations.

They have also been on site tours of the Mbabane-Manzini corridor towns and cities projects. The delegation is also expected to visit the eSwatini International Trade Fair(EITF) where the aim is to strengthen exposure to the country’s economic and investment landscape. 

They also experienced the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage through excursions to iconic sites such as the Mantenga Cultural Village, Hlane Royal National Park, and Ngwenya Glass. 

Leaders of the delegation have also been to the Cabinet offices to present themselves to His Excellency the Prime Minister.

The Eswatini leg of the exchange is being delivered in collaboration with the Eswatini Local Authorities Managers Association (ELAMA), the Eswatini Local Government Association (ELGA), and local authorities along the Manzini–Mbabane corridor, under the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The expected outcomes of the programme include strengthened partnerships between eSwatini and the ICMA, exchange of knowledge and expertise on urban governance, planning and service delivery. 

Opportunities for future collaboration on city resilience, innovation and capacity building are expected to be born from the deepened relationships, as well as an overall enhanced international visibility for Eswatini’s urban development.

The Municipal Council of Manzini remains committed to ensuring the success of this global gathering and will continue to provide regular updates as preparations progress. 

This landmark event reflects the Kingdom’s vision of building strong, professional, and globally connected local governance.